NFL Notes: Donald Driver to retire

The Green Bay Packers all-time leading receiver announced his retirement Thursday, with a public ceremony planned for Feb. 6 at the Lambeau Field Atrium.

"I played my entire career in Green Bay and have always enjoyed a special bond with the fans," Driver said in a statement released by the Packers. "I can think of no better way to retire than to celebrate with them and the Packers organization."

Later, on Twitter, Driver said, "It's been an amazing journey, thank you for all of your love and support! (hash)Packer4Life"

Culliver apologizes for anti-gay remarkNEW ORLEANS -- San Francisco 49ers cornerback Chris Culliver has apologized for anti-gay comments he made to a comedian during Super Bowl media day.

Culliver said Thursday that's "not what's in my heart" and he was "just kidding around."

He also apologized to the city of San Francisco and added he would welcome a gay teammate to the 49ers, a reversal of his remarks to comedian Artie Lange two days ago. San Francisco and the Bay Area are home to a large gay community.

During an interview Tuesday at the Superdome, Culliver responded to questions from Lange by saying he wouldn't welcome a gay player in the locker room. He said the 49ers didn't have any gay players, and if they did those players should leave.

Culliver's apology reiterated his statement of regret released by the team Wednesday night.

Phony merchandise confiscatedNEW ORLEANS -- A federal law-enforcement official says investigators have confiscated more than $13.6 million worth of phony sports merchandise over the past five months and expect to seize more in New Orleans during Super Bowl week.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director John Morton said Thursday that authorities also have shut down more than 300 websites selling counterfeit goods as part of an enforcement effort dubbed "Operation Red Zone."

Morton says the operation targeted international shipments of NFL jerseys, hats and other souvenirs entering the U.S. for sale by stores, flea markets and street vendors.

Morton says agents also will be on the streets of New Orleans to crack down on the sale of counterfeit merchandise before Sunday's Super Bowl matchup.